Senator Lambie to block Home Affairs attempt to ban mobile phones in immigration detention
Senator Jacqui Lambie announced today that she will not support the Federal Government’s bill that would stifle criticism of immigration detention, reduce transparency and cut off crucial support for the people detained.
Senator Lambie holds the deciding vote on the Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2020, which would give sweeping, unchecked powers to the Minister for Home Affairs to ban almost any item in detention, including mobile phones, and vastly expand the search and seizure powers of private security contractors.
David Burke, Legal Director at the Human Rights Law Centre, welcomed the decision.
“This proposed law was a blatant attack on transparency designed to silence criticism and hide the appalling conditions of immigration detention from public view. These powers were entirely unnecessary. Senator Lambie has made the right decision in rejecting this overreach from the Morrison Government.
“Mobile phones are an essential lifeline for people in immigration detention to family, friends and legal support. Mobile phones have allowed people in detention to shine a light on their mistreatment. We are pleased that Senator Lambie has used her decisive vote to stop the Government from seeking to avoid accountability for its treatment of people held in detention," said Burke.
While the Bill is set to be defeated in the Senate, more than 1,500 people remain in immigration detention across Australia.
“Parliament must now demand action from the Morrison Government to release the hundreds of refugees and people seeking asylum who remain unnecessarily and indefinitely locked up across Australia. People who have sought safety must be allowed to rebuild their lives in the community,” said Burke.
Media contact:
Michelle Bennett, Communications Director, Human Rights Law Centre,
0419 100 519